Police: Suspect has been cultivating the plants in Pope Co. since April

By Lindsey Williams

community@couriernews.com

A Russellville man was arrested Thursday after marijuana plants were found near his home on 77 Caglesville Lane.

John Churchill, 52, was held in police custody after 5th Judicial Drug Task Force agents Tony Haley and Chad Stevenson, along with Pope County Sheriff Aaron DuVall, received a tip about marijuana plants growing near Churchill's residence.

Haley testified at a felony bond hearing Friday that 15 marijuana plants were found about 30 yards away from Churchill's camper. The officers made contact with Churchill, who granted them written permission to search his camper. Haley said he, Stevenson and DuVall found a "good amount" of marijuana leaves and drug paraphernalia in the camper. Upon questioning, Haley said Churchill admitted to planting the herbs in April and said he has been watering and taking care of them ever since.

District Court Judge Don Bourne set a bond for Churchill of $5,000 and ordered the man to get a job.

The following individuals also appeared during felony bond hearings Friday in Pope County. Their names, ages, anticipated charges and bond amounts are listed.

Haley testified that during the past six months he and other members with the 5th Judicial District Drug Task force met with Duncan on two separate occasions, purchasing a little more than 10 grams of methamphetamine from him.

Haley said when he later interviewed Duncan, he admitted to selling one pound of marijuana a month for the past eight months.

According to an Arkansas State Police (ASP) report, on Aug. 4 an officer stopped a green Dodge truck with California plates for speeding and careless driving. Foster and another male identified as Stephen Donavan were in the vehicle. When the officer asked where they were going, the two had conflicting stories and seemed nervous. Upon a search of the vehicle, the officer located a locked tool box. The report stated Foster said the keys to the tool box were at his home in California. The officer ran his canine, Hana, around the vehicle and the dog made an indication at the tool box. The officer located 10 pounds of marijuana inside, according to the report.

 Diep Ly, 57, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to an Arkansas State Police (ASP) report, Ly and another man identified as Diep Nguyen were stopped on Aug. 4, due to allegedly driving carelessly. The report stated the two told the officer they were going on a vacation in Mississippi but didn't know where. Upon inspection of the vehicle, five suitcases, one dog food bag, one hockey bag and two trash bags containing 90 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana were located as well as $1,400 cash. The total weight of the marijuana came in at more than 107 pounds. Ly and Nguyen told the officer they were each being paid $5,000 to take the marijuana to Mississippi, according to the report.

 Diep Nguyen, 55, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.